Best Stock Brokers In The US For 2025

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The best stock brokers in the US for 2025 are:

Fidelity - extensive research tools and zero-commission trading.
E*TRADE - user-friendly platforms, advanced mobile trading.
Webull - commission-free trading and an intuitive mobile app with advanced charting.
Robinhood - commission-free trading with a simple interface, ideal for new traders.
Charles Schwab - comprehensive research, educational resources, and low-cost trading.

With so many options available in 2024, selecting the right broker can feel overwhelming — especially when trading features, fees, and platforms vary widely. This article explore the best stock brokers in the US for 2024, tailored advice for both beginner and advanced traders, and essential factors to consider when choosing a broker.

Best stock brokers in the US for 2025

Finding the perfect broker isn’t just about low fees or flashy interfaces — it's about aligning your needs with the features and tools a broker provides. Below, we’ve outlined the top brokers of 2024 along with a step-by-step guide to help you choose the best one for your trading style.

Best stock brokers in the US
Stock Broker	Demo	Account minimum	Interest rate	Stocks/ETFs Fee per share basic	Foundation year
Fidelity	Yes	$0	4.97	0%	1946
ETrade	No	$0	0.01	0%	1982
Webull	Yes	$0	5	US Stocks and ETFs: 0,025% of total trade amount HK Stocks and ETFs: 0,03% of total trade amount	2017
Robinhood	No	$0	1.5	0%	2013
Charles Schwab	No	$0	0.45	0%	1971

Step-by-step guide to choosing a broker:

Pick a broker who’s tailored to your style. Don’t just go for the lowest fees. Find a broker with expertise in the type of trading or investing you’re into. For instance, if quick trades are your thing, look for brokers who prioritize fast order processing. Or, if you’re interested in eco-friendly stocks, pick a broker who’s got solid options and resources on sustainable investments.
Check out brokers with “direct access trading”. Most people don’t realize there’s more control available if you use direct market access ( DMA), where you can control exactly how your orders hit the market. It’s ideal for avoiding delays in high-volatility trades and gives you a serious edge in keeping costs tight.
Look for deep risk control tools. Going beyond just basic stop-loss orders, some brokers offer things like trailing stops , conditional orders, and even margin management tools. These extras help you actively manage risk, especially if you want a stronger grip on your portfolio’s exposure.
Look for around-the-clock support. If you’re serious about trading, tech support should be one of your main priorities. It’s easy to overlook, but make sure your broker offers 24/7 support, so you’re never left hanging if you hit a technical snag or have account questions.
Use research that’s independent, not just in-house. Brokers often push their in-house analysis, but real pros make use of independent research. Look for features like customizable market maps or insights from third-party sources; it’ll give you a better perspective and keep you from relying too much on the broker’s in-house views.

The U.S. stock market is a global financial powerhouse that enables companies to raise capital and allows investors to gain ownership stakes in publicly traded businesses.

Overview of the U.S. stock market

The U.S. stock market refers to exchanges like the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and NASDAQ, where stocks, bonds, and other securities are traded. The market serves as a platform for companies to list shares for public purchase, giving investors access to buy, sell, and trade shares based on perceived value and future potential.

Types of securities in the U.S. stock market

Common and preferred stocks. Stocks offer investors ownership and potential dividends, with common stocks granting voting rights and preferred stocks often providing higher dividend yields.
ETFs and mutual funds. These pooled investment vehicles give investors a way to diversify without picking individual stocks.
Bonds. Companies and governments issue bonds as debt obligations, paying interest to investors until maturity.

Trading hours and processes

Regular hours. U.S. markets generally trade between 9:30 AM and 4:00 PM Eastern Time.
Pre-market and after-hours. These trading sessions allow investors to react to overnight events and economic reports, although they are usually less liquid and more volatile.

Regulation and oversight

The U.S. stock market is regulated by the Securities and Exchange Commission ( SEC) to ensure fair practices and protect investors. Various rules are in place to prevent fraud, and brokerage firms must comply with strict guidelines.

Fees breakdown and hidden costs

While many platforms advertise "commission-free" trading, hidden fees can still impact your profits. It's essential to be aware of these potential costs to avoid surprises.

Inactivity fees
Some platforms charge fees if your account remains inactive for a certain period. If you're not regularly trading, it's important to check whether the platform imposes inactivity fees and how long it takes for them to apply.
Withdrawal and transfer fees
Moving funds out of your brokerage account can sometimes incur charges. Some platforms offer fee-free withdrawals, but others may apply fees for wire transfers or transferring assets to another broker. Be sure to check the withdrawal and transfer policies of your chosen platform.
Options trading fees
If you trade options, be mindful of the per-contract fees that can add up quickly. Many platforms charge around $0.65 per contract, which is a common rate, but it's worth comparing fees across platforms if you trade options frequently.

Risks and warnings

Investing always comes with risk. Here are some key considerations:

Market volatility. Sudden market swings can lead to substantial losses, especially if you're using leverage.
Leverage risks. Margin trading increases risk, particularly for day traders. Ensure you understand how margin works before trading with borrowed funds.
Broker-specific risks. Ensure that brokers are regulated by key institutions like the SEC and FINRA to protect your investments.

Take your time in choosing a broker

Instead of just looking at trading fees or app features, pick a broker that goes the extra mile to help you actually learn the ropes. Some brokers offer real-time practice trading with live market data, so you can get a feel for what real trading looks like — without putting any money on the line. Look for brokers that bring beginners together, like virtual investment clubs or live sessions with other traders and pros, so you’re not learning alone. This hands-on approach to training is great for boosting your confidence and knowing what it’s like when the market gets a bit wild.

Furthermore, choose brokers that openly share how they handle your trades and avoid "payment for order flow" deals that can mess with how your trades get priced. Some brokers make extra money by selling your order flow, meaning you might not get the best possible price. Going with a broker who’s upfront about their process lets you know you’re getting the real market price without extra fees baked in. This way, your trades are closer to the price you expect, helping you avoid the little pricing gaps that can add up, especially if you’re trading often.

Our methodology

Traders Union applies a rigorous methodology to evaluate brokers using over 100 both quantitative and qualitative criteria. Multiple parameters are given individual scores that feed into an overall rating.

Key aspects of the assessment include:

Regulation and safety. Brokers are evaluated based on the level/reputation of licenses and regulations they operate under.
User reviews. Client reviews and feedback are analyzed to determine customer satisfaction levels. Reviews are fact-checked and verified.
Trading instruments. Brokers are evaluated on the breadth and depth of assets/markets available to trade.
Fees and commissions. A comprehensive analysis is done of all trading costs to analyze overall cost to clients.
Trading platforms. Brokers are assessed based on the variety, quality and features of platforms offered to clients.
Other factors like brand popularity, customer support, education resources are also evaluated

Conclusion

Choosing the best stock broker for 2024 boils down to aligning your personal trading goals with the features each broker offers. If you’re just starting, prioritize simplicity, educational tools, and low account minimums. For more experienced traders it is important to stand out with advanced tools and in-depth research features. Always be mindful of fees, hidden costs, and the level of customer support. Ultimately, the right broker should grow with you, offering everything from beginner-friendly guides to sophisticated trading options as your needs evolve. Stay informed, compare brokers based on your requirements, and choose wisely for a successful trading experience.

FAQs

Can I have more than one brokerage account?

Yes, many traders use multiple brokerage accounts to take advantage of different platforms' strengths, such as one for long-term investing and another for active trading.

What happens if my stock broker goes bankrupt?

In the U.S., brokerage accounts are typically insured by the SIPC (Securities Investor Protection Corporation) for up to $500,000. This helps protect your assets if the broker fails, but it’s important to confirm the broker’s coverage.

Is there a penalty for withdrawing my money from a stock broker?

Most brokers do not charge for basic withdrawals, but some may impose fees for wire transfers or excessive withdrawals. Check the broker's fee schedule for details on withdrawal charges.

Why do some stock brokers require a higher account minimum?

Brokers with advanced trading tools, direct market access, or special services often require higher minimum deposits. These brokers cater to active traders who benefit from more specialized features.

Team that worked on the article

Oleg Tkachenko is an economic analyst and risk manager having more than 14 years of experience in working with systemically important banks, investment companies, and analytical platforms. He has been a Traders Union analyst since 2018. His primary specialties are analysis and prediction of price tendencies in the Forex, stock, commodity, and cryptocurrency markets, as well as the development of trading strategies and individual risk management systems. He also analyzes nonstandard investing markets and studies trading psychology.

Also, Oleg became a member of the National Union of Journalists of Ukraine (membership card No. 4575, international certificate UKR4494).

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Chinmay Soni is a financial analyst with more than 5 years of experience in working with stocks, Forex, derivatives, and other assets. As a founder of a boutique research firm and an active researcher, he covers various industries and fields, providing insights backed by statistical data. He is also an educator in the field of finance and technology.

As an author for Traders Union, he contributes his deep analytical insights on various topics, taking into account various aspects.

Mirjan Hipolito is a journalist and news editor at Traders Union. She is an expert crypto writer with five years of experience in the financial markets. Her specialties are daily market news, price predictions, and Initial Coin Offerings (ICO).

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